Costaripa and its Rosé Wines

Costaripa does not need big presentations on the Italian wine market partly because Mattia Vezzola is an undisputed internationally renowned winemaker. On the other hand, the company has been creating this divine nectar for three generations and has embarked on some ambitious projects that have made people talk about them in the world of wine.

We are in the heart of Valtenesi in Moniga del Garda, Garda Lake, and I would like to talk about their wonderful Rosé wines. For me, it was love at the first sip. From there, I never stopped buying them, both in the cellar of the restaurant I directed and in my personal one.

When I think of Costaripa wines, my mind evokes the memory of roses, with all the nuances of these splendid flowers. The rose has always represented passion, and here the combination is perfect, knowing with what love and commitment the family dedicates to this company.

The rose represents tenderness, the delicacy that are all the nuances that we find in their Rosé wines: from the soft pink of RosaMara to the oldest pink of Molmenti, to the bright and lively but always pearly pink of Brut Rosè Traditional Method to finish at the deepest and accentuated by the Rosé Grande Annata. Gentle and complex, soft and deep.

What is the secret of these magnificent masterpieces? The ingredients are “simple” (in reality, not at all) but not trivial: passion, craftsmanship, and suitable terroir.

Groppello grape variety is perfect for Rosè production, from fresh and drinkable versions to full-bodied and excellent for ageing wines. Soils of glacial origin with about 67 soil types give a beautiful and harmonious balance.

Lacrima vinification (“teardrop”, static dripping of the free-run when fermentation has just begun), thus obtaining a must that can be considered the heart of the grape. For sure, another distinctive factor where Mattia Vezzola’s mastery is decisive.

Mattia’s decades of experience in sparkling wine production have their final touch. Winemaker since 1981 of the historic and prestigious Bellavista winery in Franciacorta, he received in 2007 important recognition for his career by the Vini d’Italia – Gambero Rosso guide as “Winemaker of the Year“. Costaripa is a personal company of Mattia where his daughter Nicole and son Gherardo collaborate with him. Nicole worked in a prestigious Maison de Champagne Philipponnat to enrich her experience, in addition to that transmitted by her father. A beautiful woman and great professional, Nicole has an enviable personality, determination, and deep knowledge.

I must say that the only Rosé wine that I have not had the chance to taste is PalmArgentina, a wine that comes from overripe grapes from the ancient vineyards of Groppello, Marzemino, and with a small addition of Moscato Rosa. Created to accompany berries-based pastries or simply to be enjoyed at the end of the meal.

RosaMara is made from Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera grapes. I love its freshness, fruit explosion, elegance, pleasantness, and complexity. Floral, notes of red fruits and a slightly bitter almond finish.

Rosè Molmenti, made from Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera grapes, is dedicated to Pompeo Gherardo Molmenti, creator of Chiaretto di Moniga in 1896. The “teardrop” vinification and the fermentation in the cask allow proposing a claret of “tradition”, which is bottled after two years of ageing after the harvest. A more complex wine than the first, with more mature floral and fruity notes, a light vanilla note, and almost iodized scents. On the palate, it recalls the most complex dishes, perhaps even fish soups and white meats. I have always wanted to taste it with the baked piglet. The last vintage I tasted a little while ago was the ’12 and ’13. Of an incredible complexity but also freshness. They are very long-lived wines.

Brut Rosé Traditional Method s.a. Wine, whose history began in 1973, has become increasingly successful today. It comes from Chardonnay 80% Pinot Noir 20% grapes with a very soft pressing of Pinot Noir from Garda and Iseo Lakes, 35% of the must ferment in small 228lt white oak barrels. Elegant and fresh hints of red fruits, a very fine perlage, everything you need to accompany your moments of pleasure elegantly. From the aperitif to the whole meal.

Grande Annata Rosé (Millesimè) instead always comes from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the same percentage, coming from the vineyards with the best southern exposure from the Garda hills and vinified for 35% in small oak barrels. It is the most complex wine in which the floral and fruity range expands, ready to satisfy even the most sophisticated palates and withstand the complexity of the most intense dishes.

Costaripa also produces other wines, including whites, sparkles and reds. I tell you about the rosé wines, with which I have a particular affinity. On occasion, visit this splendid winery that, since 1936, has given emotions through its territory.